GH3 Lens advice? (Beginner/Short Films)

For a variable ND filter - get the SLR Magic VariND. Hands down the best ND filter out there because it doesn't cause color shifts from using two quarter-plate polarizers against each other like all other variable ND filters do.

Lengthy discussion of it at BMCUSER.com

It's not a little better...it's a lot better.

Get it at 77mm and just buy an inexpensive 72-77mm step-up ring for a couple bucks.
 
If you are getting an ND filter, I love this filter holder system you can use with any filter and save tons of time - it's magnetic, so you just snap it on and off any lens:

XUME Lens Adapter and Filter Holder

Ever since I got it, I can't imagine screwing filters on and off... plus I find you have to be very careful screwing filters on and off because the threads are so fine it's easy to get them damaged and they regularly bind up. This system avoids all that. It's a bit of an investment, but really worth it, IMHO.
 
DPStewart said:
For a variable ND filter - get the SLR Magic VariND. Hands down the best ND filter out there because it doesn't cause color shifts from using two quarter-plate polarizers against each other like all other variable ND filters do.

Lengthy discussion of it at BMCUSER.com

It's not a little better...it's a lot better.

Get it at 77mm and just buy an inexpensive 72-77mm step-up ring for a couple bucks.
Click to expand...

+1
 
Someday, someone will make a camera that shoots 4k, uncompressed, 14 stop range, with a 7-200mm lens that's f1.4 all through the zoom range, built-in ND filters, 5 axis stabilization, 4k viewfinder and LCD, XLR inputs and 12 hour battery life and we won't have to buy all this extra crap every time we buy a camera.
 
Ok. Now I am working on nailing down the acessories I need. Here is my first seemingly dumb question?
Do I need to buy a flash for the camera or is that useless for video?
Also, what are the must have accessory recs for lights and sound etc?
Keep in mind I am a total newb and just trying to put together filmiing gear for the first time
 
No you do not need a flash for video.

A light kit would be nice for shooting films.

An audio package would be great if you intent to record sound.

Extra batteries as well as SD cards would be very useful.

A tripod and fluid head would also be helpful.

By the way, you picked a very expensive hobby. :shocked:
 
Flash is useless as it has one built in, and no you wouldn't use it for video. For sound, a good mic and boom (with an operator), is the ideal. On the el cheap-o end, the Takstar SGC-598 is popular. For a little more one of the Rode Videomic's are popular. And then the Rode NTG mics on the higher end, but they're XLR so you'll need an interface to get it plugged into the GH3. See a lot of people recommend the NTG-2. For lights, that's a big can of worms and you'll get a million different opinions. Really depends on the job you're doing, but you'd probably want to start with a couple LED panel lights. They are easy to handle for a beginner. The aputure LED lights are pretty good and affordable. I have a couple. Other thing you'll probably want is a follow focus. There are many. Get the best you can afford. The Sigma has no focus gears so you'll have to get one to attach. This company makes seamless custom fit gears, and has one for the Sigma-- http://www.ebay.com/itm/Seamless-Fo...gma-18-35mm-f1-8-Sigma-Art-Lens-/251687633544. And of course, you'll need a good tripod and fluid head....All this stuff adds up, don't it? :)
 
I know it. My other hobby is collecting vinyl records and vintage stereo gear...so i am screwed all the way around. Fortunately, I have 2 friends that are gung-ho on getting this film project rolling...so we are splitting up some costs.

I posted some questions on the other board but will repost here: I need help/advice on accessories and have a few questions.

1. How many SD cards and what storage amount do I need to get started?

2. Do I need a separate recording device like a Tascam for audio or can I just use a boom mic?

3. What kind of budget lighting will I need to start out if any?

4. What stabilizers/tripods etc do you recc?

5. Any super CHEAP lenses that may be useful at all to handle situations that the Sigma 18-35 can't?

6. How many batteries do I need to get started? 2?

7. What is a fisheye lens and do I need one?

8. What BUDGET gear or acessories do I absolutely NEED to get started and can't live without?

Sorry for all the questions but I am a total newb and am learning everyday. People on this forum have been very helpful with this process.
 
1. A couple 64GB cards will probably get you through the day. Make sure they are at least UHS-3 rated.

2. A Tascam or Zoom h1 is preferable. Better audio quality, and you have a backup if camera audio is bad. But you can get away with just a boom mic if you're getting a good signal into the camera.

3. Research this yourself and get what the project requires. No use buying equipment you won't use.

4 and 5. Generally, the more money you spend here the better. There are a billion options and no-one will agree on what's best. And again, if you are just getting this for one project, get what you need instead of buying tons of stuff you may not use. You'll definitely want a long zoom. I have a panasonic 45-150 and like it a lot. Not too expensive, stabilized, sharp. I wouldn't get a long zoom without some kind of built-in stabilization.

6. At least 2. Not sure how good the GH3 battery is. The GH4 battery seems to last forever. And buy an AC adapter so you can just plug into the wall if necessary, although this may cause audio interference.

7. A super wide lens that distorts the image, like so-- http://cdn.picturecorrect.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/fisheye-lens.jpg Popular with skateboard videos. If you don't need it for the project, I see no need to get it.

8. I have the QV-1M viewfinder and can't live without it now. Attaches to the LCD and magnifies the image. Makes it easier to focus and great in bright daylight. http://kamerar.com/products/qv-1-m-lcd-view-finder
 
If you pickup Sigma's 18-35mm f/1.8 consider pairing it with their 50-100mm f/1.8. Those two lenses would cover the most common FOV used in narrative, especially if you have access to both SpeedBoosters, & standard Lens Adapters.

One issue to be aware of though is the 18-35/1.8 utilizes 72mm filters, & the 50-100mm uses 82mm.

Variable NDs are made up of two polarizers which can lead to some problems so stick to standard NDs whenever practical. The issue is stacked filters often induce reflections, & polarizers have a tendency to deaden skin.

Hoya's ProND filters are a great option as they're relatively neutral across the various strengths, offer some IR protection, & are affordable. Formatt-Hitech's Firecrest NDs are a similar option. There's a very long thread about the ProNDs over at BMCuser & several posts about eBay stores that accept low ball offers for the filters.

AFAIK the 18-35mm's filter threads are plastic, & if so their durability is questionable. Most my SLR, & Mirrorless, lenses are fitted with the magnetic Xume Adapters mentioned previously in this thread, & I'd certainly consider them for any lens with plastic threads, but their best employed inside a bayonet mounted lens hood, & are not suitable to stacking more than one filter.

As a long term investment you might be best served by a matte box, & 4x4 (or better 4x5.65) filters, especially if your emphasis is narrative. You could save some money by using 77mm, or 82mm, filters (with adapters) in the matte box, but there will likely be restrictions, especially with wider focal lengths.
 
jibberjazz said:
Is this the Panny lens you are talking about? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1182676-REG/panasonic_h_fs45150ak_lumix_g_vario_45_150mm.html
Am I able to hook Metabones boost to this or no?
Click to expand...

That's the one. This is a native lens. You don't use the speedbooster. There's really no point using a speedbooster on anything over an 85mm in my opinion, other than for that extra stop of light. At the longer lengths getting shallow depth of field isn't a problem. Only issue you might have is matching the two lenses might take some post work, which is why that other Sigma was mentioned.
 
Batutta said:
4 and 5. I have a panasonic 45-150 and like it a lot. Not too expensive, stabilized, sharp. I wouldn't get a long zoom without some kind of built-in stabilization.
Click to expand...

I also have this lens and it is an incredible performer for it's size (somewhat small) and price. Pair it with the latest 14-42mm "kit" lens and you have everything from workhorse wide angle to pretty good telephoto reach covered.


Batutta said:
6. At least 2. Not sure how good the GH3 battery is. The GH4 battery seems to last forever. And buy an AC adapter so you can just plug into the wall if necessary, although this may cause audio interference.
Click to expand...

GH3 and GH4 use the same battery, many users find 2 get them through a day of on and off shooting. Here is the only 3rd party battery I trust (sold by B&H), costs less than half the Panasonic. I have 2 Panasonic batteries and one Watson for my GH4, one Panasonic and 3 Watsons for my G7.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ..._3640_dmw_blf19_lithium_ion_battery_pack.html

Batutta said:
8. I have the QV-1M viewfinder and can't live without it now. Attaches to the LCD and magnifies the image. Makes it easier to focus and great in bright daylight. http://kamerar.com/products/qv-1-m-lcd-view-finder
Click to expand...


I strongly second the recommendation for this viewfinder. Outstanding value for the price. The EVF for the GH3 is not as easy to use as for the GH4 and G7 so this viewfinder over the LCD really helps!
 
jibberjazz said:
Will I need any filters for the Panasonic 45-150? What do you reckon if so?
Click to expand...

As others have mentioned, buy a filter that fits your biggest lens, in this case a 72mm, and then get a step down ring to use it on smaller ones, in this case a 52mm, so you'd get a 72mm to 52mm step down ring. That way you don't have to buy filters twice. If you really wanted to future proof yourself, you could get an 82mm filter, and then step down rings for both. The SLR Magic ND mentioned before is all you'd really need. Some folks like using a mild Pro Mist filter to take some of the edge off sharp lenses, but that's an artistic decision. This lens is very sharp at 45, a touch soft at 150, although shooting 1080p you probably won't notice the difference.
 
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